Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing

Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
Jump to Recipe 👇

About This Recipe

In the heart of California’s wine country, where the rich terroir gives birth to some of the world's best wines, food plays an equally significant role. One of the most delightful culinary experiences I've recently encountered has been inspired by Asian influences, more specifically, the Napa cabbage salad. A fusion of flavors, where East meets West, this dish resonates deeply with the diverse culinary heritage of the Golden State.

At first glance, you might be reminded of the classic Chinese chicken salad dressing that offers a delightful sweet and tangy twist. But the sesame ginger dressing in our Napa cabbage salad brings about an earthy richness, reminiscent of the soils of Sonoma, setting it apart from the traditional Asian salad dressing. If you've ever tasted the delectable asian salad recipes, you’d recognize the hints of soy, honey, and vinegar. Yet, the toasted sesame oil in the sesame ginger dressing is what makes this Napa cabbage salad stand out, bringing forth a nutty depth that harmonizes perfectly with the crispness of the cabbage.

Speaking of which, the protagonist of this dish, the Napa cabbage, offers a tender crunch, elevating this from your typical Chinese cabbage salad. This isn’t just any cabbage; the Napa cabbage, with its origins in the Beijing region of China, finds a cozy home in the fields of Napa and Sonoma. This geographical adaptation translates into what I'd like to call the napa cabbage slaw, a lighter, more refined version of the robust slaws you might be used to.

When crafting this recipe, it’s hard not to draw parallels with the Asian vinaigrette that so often graces the tables of many Californian homes. But our asian salad dressing recipe, with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds and a touch of fresh ginger, gives a nod to the traditional flavors while adding a contemporary Napa twist.

As we journey through the culinary landscape of this salad, it’s only fitting to highlight the perfect wine pairings. Given Napa’s wine legacy, this salad naturally pairs with a crisp and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. If you find yourself wandering the vineyards, I’d highly recommend stopping by Frog's Leap for their signature Sauvignon Blanc. For those leaning towards a classic taste, a dry Riesling, particularly from Dry Creek Vineyard in Sonoma, complements the salad’s subtle sweet undertones. And for the adventurers among us, dare to pair this salad with a Grüner Veltliner. A bottle from Grgich Hills Estate in Napa is sure to tantalize your palate.

Wine and food, much like the stories of Napa and Sonoma, are deeply intertwined. The Asian influences in Californian cuisine, represented by our napa salad recipes, tell tales of migration, adaptation, and fusion. And as you dive into this crunchy Napa cabbage salad, let the flavors transport you to the vineyard-covered hills and sun-kissed valleys of our beloved wine country.

If you find yourself inspired to explore more, or perhaps you’re planning a visit to Napa, make sure to bookmark Visit Napa Valley, a treasure trove of local insights and recommendations. Whether it's the serene landscapes, the world-class wines, or the diverse culinary delights such as our Napa cabbage salad, Napa Valley promises an experience like no other. Enjoy the journey, one bite, and one sip at a time!

Hero Ingredient Spotlight: Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is the unsung hero of the culinary world. Native to the Beijing region of China, this leafy vegetable boasts a tender texture and a sweet, mild flavor. Unlike the denser green cabbage, Napa cabbage offers a delicate crunch, making it perfect for salads like our napa cabbage salad. Rich in vitamins C and K, it's not just delicious but also nutritious. When choosing Napa cabbage, look for a firm head with tightly packed, crisp leaves.

How to Perfectly Toast Sesame Seeds

  1. Start with a dry skillet, preferably a heavy-bottomed one, to ensure even heating.
  2. Place the skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the sesame seeds in a single layer. No oil is needed, as the seeds have their natural oils.
  4. Stir frequently using a spatula to ensure even toasting.
  5. Once they start turning golden brown and release a nutty aroma, remove them from the heat. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Transfer them to a plate and let them cool. Now they're ready to be used in your sesame ginger dressing or as a garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use another type of cabbage for this recipe? While Napa cabbage is ideal for its tender texture and mild flavor, you can also use green or red cabbage. Adjust the slicing thickness accordingly, as these varieties are denser.
  2. How long can I store the leftover Napa cabbage salad? This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The dressing can be stored separately for up to a week.
  3. I'm allergic to soy. What can I substitute in the dressing? You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari for a soy-free alternative in the asian salad dressing recipe.
  4. What other proteins can I add to make this salad more filling? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be excellent additions. The Chinese chicken salad dressing particularly complements chicken.
  5. I don't have black sesame seeds. Can I use regular ones? Absolutely! White sesame seeds can be used in place of black ones. Toasting them, as mentioned in our how-to, will amplify their flavor.

Tips for Success

  1. Pre-chill your serving bowl: Before assembling the salad, place your serving bowl in the refrigerator. Serving the salad in a chilled bowl will keep it crisp for a longer duration, especially if you're dining al fresco in Napa's sunny climate.
  2. Dress just before serving: To maintain the crunchy texture of the Napa cabbage, pour the asian vinaigrette just before you're ready to eat. This prevents the cabbage from becoming soggy.
  3. Personalize your garnish: The beauty of this asian salad recipe is its versatility. Feel free to sprinkle on some crushed peanuts, sliced green onions, or even some mandarin orange segments for a refreshing twist.

Recipe Overview

Recipe:
Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
Author:
Lily Anderson
Season:
Spring
Yield:
4 servings
Calories Per Serving:
230
Prep Time:
PT15M
Cook Time:
PT0M
Total Time:
PT15M

Ingredients List

Ingredients:

  • 1 large Napa cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 3 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1/4 cup toasted almond slices
  • 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

For the Sesame Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage, red bell pepper, carrot, and green onions. Toss them gently to mix.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the ingredients for the sesame dressing until they're well combined.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
  4. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted almond slices, roasted sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Share Your Results

Was it everything you dreamed it could be? Let me know how it turned out for you and share a picture on social media with the hashtag #LilyCooksNapa

Hello and welcome to Napa Home Chef! We're thrilled you're joining us to explore the vibrant world of wine country cooking. Our team has crafted bold, creative recipes inspired by Napa Valley's lush landscapes, bountiful harvests, and world-renowned wines. We hope you enjoy the journey with us!

Get ready to experience the rich flavors and unique culinary delights that embody the essence of wine country living. Happy cooking!

About Me

Don't miss a recipe!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Coming soon - Cookbook!

Loving Napa Home Chef Recipes and wishing for more? Discover print exclusives!

Napa Recipe Cookbook: Napa Home Chef
Humboldt Fog Cheese & Merlot Poached Pear Salad
Catalina Island Cooler with Tequila, Cactus Juice, and Lime
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Crostini with Balsamic Glaze
Dungeness Crab Sandwich with Bodega Bay Sauce
Chocolate Ganache Tart with Passionfruit Gel & Maldon Salt
Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Hearty Greens and Homemade Croutons
Crunchy Napa Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing
Pork Fried Farro with Eggs and Scallions
Vegan Portobello and Cashew Cheese Panini with Arugula
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Roasted Garlic and Thyme
Ancho Chili Beef Burger with Queso Fresco and Charred Pineapple Salsa
Redwood Forest Syrah-Roasted Venison with Juniper Berry Jus

Mandatory (inedible) cookies. By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.